Nigeria’s home-based Super Eagles opened their 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) campaign with a 1-0 defeat to defending champions Senegal on Tuesday at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar.
The lone goal of the match came in the 75th minute following a moment of indecision in Nigeria’s defence. Goalkeeper Lawal Mustapha was drawn off his line during the build-up, allowing the Lions of Teranga to convert their only shot on target and secure all three points.
Despite enjoying long spells of possession and matching Senegal in intensity and physicality, Nigeria struggled to unlock a compact and well-organised defence.
Mustapha was called into action early, saving a cross in the 21st minute, before Senegal threatened again from a set piece in the 33rd minute. In midfield, Tochukwu Michael and Olamilekan Adedayo tried to dictate play, while defenders Leonard Ngenge and captain Junior Nduka remained alert to break down counterattacks.
However, Nigeria’s final-third execution was lacking, with few clear-cut chances created. Senegal nearly added a second late in the game, but a combined clearance by Ngenge and Nduka kept the scoreline respectable.
With the defeat, Nigeria sit at the bottom of Group D after Congo and Sudan played out a 1-1 draw earlier in the day.
The Super Eagles will face Sudan in their next group match, scheduled for next Tuesday at the same venue.
